Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE will next year open its first Lithium Sulphate Plant that is expected to generate a whopping US$320 million in revenue annually, marking yet another milestone in the country’s mineral value addition and manufacturing sectors.
The announcement was made by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. He detailed the ambitious plans for the Arcadia Lithium Mine operated by Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe.
The US$400 million investment in the construction of the plant, underway in Goromonzi, incorporates cutting-edge technology for lithium sulphate production.
It is projected to create over 1,000 jobs, offering new employment opportunities for local communities.
Additionally, the plant is anticipated to generate around US$320 million in revenue, positioning Zimbabwe as a key player in the burgeoning electric vehicle market and enhancing its status in the global lithium supply chain. “Cabinet considered the update on Lithium Beneficiation by Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, which operates the Arcadia Lithium
Mine and is investing US$400 million in the construction of Lithium Sulphate Plant,” said Dr Muswere.
“The plant is the first of its kind in Zimbabwe and Africa, which incorporates cutting-edge technology for lithium sulphate production. Lithium Sulphate is a direct input into battery-making and, in addition, also has other uses in the manufacturing sector. “The Lithium Sulphate plant is currently under construction at the Goromonzi site and is made up of three production lines, each with a feed of 500,000 metric tonnes per annum of concentrate. The first line is scheduled to go into production in January 2026, with the second and third lines scheduled for April 2026.
“The plant is designed to and will produce 80,000 metric tonnes per annum of lithium sulphate, and is set to create over 1,000 jobs. It will generate revenue to the tune of US$320 million and position Zimbabwe into a space to move into electric vehicle manufacturing,” said Minister Muswere.
Meanwhile, Dr Muswere said Cabinet received and approved the presentation on the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee on intellectual property.
Dr Muswere said the inter-ministerial committee is being established to strengthen the administration and co-ordination of intellectual property matters, which is currently being executed in an uncoordinated and fragmented manner.
“The Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, will comprise the Ministries of Industry and Commerce; Health and Child Care; Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development; Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion; Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Tourism and Hospitality Industry; and the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office.
“The role of the inter-ministerial committee on intellectual property will be to advise Government on all intellectual property (IP) matters, and ensure compliance with Government’s obligations under the various regional and international instruments which Zimbabwe is party to,” said Dr Muswere.
He said the Inter-ministerial committee will also be responsible for co-ordinating the execution of all intellectual property matters by ministries, departments and agencies to eliminate duplication and streamline intellectual property services.
Dr Muswere said the committee will co-ordinate and lead consultative and engagement processes with stakeholders and partners on emerging intellectual property matters and global developments.
